C++14: async vs thread

What's the difference between async and thread in C++14?

In C++14, async is used to run tasks asynchronously, while thread creates a new thread for concurrent execution.

When should I use async instead of thread?

Use async when you want to run a task in the background and retrieve the result later, simplifying error handling.

Can you give an example of using async?

Sure! Here's a simple example: std::async(std::launch::async, [](){ return 42; }); This runs a lambda asynchronously.

Are there any downsides to using async?

Yes, async can introduce overhead and may not be suitable for tasks that require immediate execution or low latency.